News Archive

We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2018 NVAA Leadership Institute. This comprehensive training covers essential skills you need to guide, motivate, and support your staff to achieve your organization's mission and vision.

The Leadership Institute is a free training that includes 10 online sessions held over 10 weeks, plus a Welcome and Introduction to Leadership week. The training is conducted by two nationally recognized experts in the victim services field. Learn the basics of effective leadership within organizations, use tools to develop your leadership skills, and create your own leadership mission, all while interacting with other victim service providers and our instructors. CEUs are awarded when you complete all requirements.

(Posted December 14, 2017)

October 2017

On November 15 at 2:00 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an online Expert Q&A discussion with Theresa Friend and Tatewin Means on “Developing and Implementing a Response to Sexual Assault in Tribal Communities.”

The Office for Victims of Crime, in partnership with the Office on Violence Against Women and Indian Health Service, held a National Roundtable Discussion on Sexual Assault in Indian Country with a multidisciplinary group of professionals with expertise in developing, implementing, or enhancing a sexual assault response in tribal communities. This session focuses on lessons learned and practical guidance from the roundtable participants.

The OVC TTAC Helping Victims of Mass Violence and Terrorism: Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resources Toolkit web training series continues with an indepth look at the Communications protocol. Please plan to join one of the scheduled webinars to learn more about this essential victim assistance protocol.

On October 26 at 3:00 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an online Expert Q&A discussion with Jane Anderson on “Prosecuting Image Exploitation.”

In this session, we will describe various forms of image exploitation, including the dynamics of the behavior and the potential for harm, and discuss the ways that law enforcement and prosecutors can use existing laws to hold offenders accountable.

September’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Stella Gallegos, a licensed independent social worker in New Mexico who has worked in the field of sexual assault for 38 years. She has served as director of training for the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs since 1990. Ms. Gallegos is responsible for soliciting, scheduling, planning, and implementing 170 hours of free sexual abuse-related training to professionals, schools, and community members each year.

(Posted August 31, 2017)

As you plan for National Preparedness Month in September, we offer several resources:

Take the VAT Online module Terrorism and Mass Violence to learn more about terrorism and mass violence, its effects on victims and survivors, potential issues arising from these events, responders to mass violence incidents and developing partnerships prior to an event, potential needs of victims and communities after an event, and resources for victims and communities.

A recording of our August Expert Q&A session on “Organizational-Level Response and Planning for Staff Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

Locate resources and tools in the VTT and Compendium of Resources to help meet your identified needs.

Develop a comprehensive plan to become a vicarious trauma-informed organization that addresses exposure to single incidents of crime or violence and acts of mass violence and terrorism.

(Posted August 25, 2017)

The OVC Human Trafficking Grantee Spotlight highlights the work and promising practices of OVC's Human Trafficking Grantees in serving victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, it provides a space for grantees to relate to, identify with, and further engage with one another, the anti-trafficking community, and our many allied partners. Learn more about the great work OVC grantees are doing in the field.

(Posted August 24, 2017)

On September 27 at 2:00 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an online Expert Q&A discussion with Maureen Lowell and Anna Melbin on “Victim-Centered Approaches to Family Violence.”

In this session, we will explore help-seeking, empathy, self-care, transdisciplinary collaboration, and the art of presence in a collaborative response to family violence.

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2017 NVAA Program Evaluation Training, which will be held online. Co-facilitated by Alyssa Rheingold, Ph.D. and Melissa Riley (Mescalero Apache), Ph.D., this 5-week training will give you the practical skills to conduct an evaluation. The schedule for this training is as follows:

Introductory Week: What is Program Evaluation? August 28–September 1

Week 1: Foundations for Program Evaluation, September 4–8, webinar on September 7

Week 2: Preparing for Program Evaluation: Developing a Program Evaluation Plan, September 11–15, webinar on September 14

Week 3: Implementing the Program Evaluation: Focus on Data Collection, September 18–22, webinar on September 21

Week 4: Analyzing Evaluation Data and Using it To Tell Your Program’s Story, September 25–29, webinar on September 28

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2017 NVAA Leadership Institute, which will be held online. This comprehensive training covers essential skills you need to guide, motivate, and support your staff to achieve your organization's mission and vision.

The Leadership Institute is a free training that includes 10 online sessions held over 10 weeks, plus a Welcome and Introduction to Leadership week. The training is conducted by two nationally recognized experts in the victim services field. Learn the basics of effective leadership within organizations, use tools to develop your leadership skills, and create your own leadership mission, all while interacting with other victim service providers. CEUs are awarded when you complete all requirements.

(Posted August 3, 2017)

The recording of our July Capacity Building Webinar for Human Trafficking Service Providers on “Survivor-Informed Services” is now available. This session, moderated by, Kristy Cho, OVC Fellow, features Amanda Eckhardt, Director of Programs, Restore NYC and Carolyn Lumpkin, Director of Empowerment Programs, CAST LA. Participants gain information on how to incorporate survivor leadership and feedback into programming, ensuring a trauma-informed framework when engaging survivors, and share successful characteristics and methods for resolving challenges related to survivor-informed services.

(Posted August 2, 2017)

August’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Dorothy Johnson-Speight, a licensed family therapist and long-time supporter of the rights of children and families. Following the tragic 2001 murder of her 24-year-old son Khaaliq Jabbar Johnson over a parking space dispute, Ms. Johnson-Speight, along with other grieving mothers, founded the nonprofit group Mothers In Charge, Inc. (MIC). She serves as the executive director of MIC, whose mission focuses on violence prevention through education and intervention for children, young adults, families, and community organizations.

A recording of our July Expert Q&A session on “Addressing the Impact of Trauma When a Mass Violence Incident Occurs” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

This session addresses how to create and maintain partnerships, address resource gaps, develop victim assistance protocols, and use the protocols after an incident of mass violence or terrorism.

(Posted July 26, 2017)

Are you interested in or about to start a new SANE program? Have you considered expanding an existing one? Are you wondering how to implement a SANE program in a rural community? OVC, through OVC TTAC, and in collaboration with IAFN, will deliver three unique web trainings as part of the SANE Program Development and Operation Web Training Series.

The next two recordings in our Elder Justice Initiative Webinar Series on "The Role of Law Enforcement in Elder Abuse Cases" and “Neural Correlates of Financial Decisionmaking in Old Age” are now available.

“The Role of Law Enforcement in Elder Abuse Cases” provides a summary of some of the research and facts around elder abuse, combined with the perspective of a detective with extensive practical experience in responding to cases of elder abuse.

“Neural Correlates of Financial Decisionmaking in Old Age” reviews the use of brain imaging techniques and the latest research to describe how changes in brain structure affect financial decisionmaking, and the implications of the research for the legal system.

(Posted July 20, 2017)

The recording of our June webinar on “LGBT Services” is now available. This session features Nadia Swanson, LMSW, Coordinator of Training and Advocacy at the Ali Forney Center and Melissa Brockie, MSW, New Day Center Director at UMOM. Participants gain information on how to incorporate best practices and strategies for meeting the needs of LGBT clients, ensuring safety and confidentiality while building community partnerships to better serve this population.

(Posted July 12, 2017)

July’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Katherine Manners, a consultant and trainer for Organizational Resilience International serving victim services, trauma, and crisis responder programs. She has more than 30 years of organizational consulting and training experience in the fields of victim services, homicide bereavement, and resilience.

(Posted July 3, 2017)

June 2017

In preparation for National Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week this July 16–22, we offer several resources:

Watch a recording of our May Expert Q&A session on “Serving Victims of Impaired Driving Crashes.” This session will focus on how to help law enforcement support and integrate victim assistance services within their agencies.

Visit our download center for the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn curriculum to help offenders become more aware of the impact that crime has on victims and take responsibility for their actions and begin to make amends.

Explore the new Tribal Victim Assistance page. This site helps guide tribal victim advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, judges, and others to information about how to create a victim-centered response to American Indian and Alaska Native victims of crime across the lifespan.

(Posted June 23, 2017)

A recording of our June Expert Q&A session on “The Vulnerabilities of LGBTQ and Homeless Youth to Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

The session discusses the delivery of trauma-informed, gender-sensitive, and inclusive services, and how service providers can advocate to improve their experiences with law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the child welfare system.

(Posted June 22, 2017)

The sixth recording in our Elder Justice Initiative Webinar Series, “A Walk Through the MDT Guide and Toolkit,” is now available. This webinar provides a demonstration of EJI's new Multidisciplinary Team Guide and Toolkit, designed for anyone looking to create or grow a local elder abuse MDT, regardless of their experience with MDTs. The web-based Toolkit is enhanced for use on mobile devices and contains easy-to-download PDF sample documents and citations.

(Posted June 21, 2017)

On July 26, 2017, at 2 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an online Expert Q&A discussion with Krista Flannigan and Herman Millholland on “Addressing the Impact of Trauma When a Mass Violence Incident Occurs.”

This session will address how to create and maintain partnerships, address resource gaps, and develop victim assistance protocols after an incident of mass violence or terrorism.

As part of OVC's ongoing commitment to providing relevant resources and tools to Indian country professionals, OVC TTAC has created the Tribal Victim Assistance page to help guide tribal victim advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, judges, and others to information about how to create a victim-centered response to American Indian and Alaska Native victims of crime across the lifespan. We invite you to explore this site and learn more about available federal and non-federal resources that can help tribal communities better meet the needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and many other forms of victimization.

(Posted June 14, 2017)

Join us for the next Elder Justice Initiative webinar, “The Role of Law Enforcement in Elder Abuse Cases,” on Monday, June 26, 2:00–3:00 p.m. e.t., as Yolonda Campbell, Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, hosts a discussion with Brian Payne, Ph.D., Provost, Old Dominion University, and Mike Day, Detective, Vancouver Police Department Elder Justice Center.

Dr. Payne has been studying elder abuse in the context of the legal system for more than 20 years, and he will talk about his research and share some facts that may surprise you. Detective Day has extensive practical experience in responding to cases of elder abuse, and he will discuss how to assist other law enforcement officers in better understanding their role, what to look for when on a call, and what community resources are available for suspected cases of elder abuse.

June’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Michael Munson, the cofounder of FORGE, an organization focused on improving the lives of transgender individuals by building stronger connections, providing resources, and empowering growth through knowledge. Munson has written and coauthored numerous articles, guides, and book chapters about transgender survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence, both for victim service professionals and as self-help tools for transgender survivors.

(Posted June 1, 2017)

May 2017

In preparation for LGBT Pride Month this June we highlight the following resources:

Join us for the next Elder Justice Initiative webinar, “Neural Correlates of Financial Decisionmaking in Old Age,” on Monday, June 19, 2:00–3:00 p.m. e.t., as Dr. Sidney M. Stahl, Research Consultant at the U.S. Department of Justice, hosts a discussion with Dr. S. Duke Han, Director of Neuropsychology at the University of Southern California.

Dr. Han is studying the neural correlates of financial decisionmaking among older adults using brain imaging techniques. Dr. Han will describe his latest research and help you to understand how changes in brain structure affect financial decisionmaking. Dr. Han will also discuss how this research has implications for the legal system. There will be time for Q&A.

On June 21, 2017, at 2 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an Expert Q&A discussion with Dr. Meredith Dank on “The Vulnerabilities of LGBTQ and Homeless Youth to Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation.”

The session will discuss the delivery of trauma-informed, gender-sensitive, and inclusive services, and how service providers can advocate to improve their experiences with law enforcement, the criminal justice system, and the child welfare system.

A recording of our May Expert Q&A session on “Serving Victims of Impaired Driving and DUI Crashes” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

This session focuses on how to help law enforcement support and integrate victim assistance services within their agencies and, thereby, provide both crisis and longer term assistance to victims of DUI/impaired driving crashes and all crime victims.

(Posted May 24, 2017)

In preparation for National Missing Children’s Day on May 25, we offer several resources:

Read the Minors & Adolescents section of the Human Trafficking Task Force e-Guide to learn about specific vulnerabilities of minors that make them targets of traffickers, key considerations when working with minor and adolescent victims of human trafficking, and additional resources.

The Elder Justice Initiative is pleased to announce the launch of the new Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Guide and Toolkit. The Toolkit is designed for anyone looking to create or grow a local elder abuse MDT, regardless of their experience with MDTs.

Join us on Tuesday, May 30, 2:00–3:00 p.m. e.t., as we take a live walk through of the Toolkit. This webinar will cover many aspects of the Toolkit, including—

The fifth recording in our Elder Justice Initiative Webinar Series, “Fill in the Blanks: Starting and Running an Elder Abuse Case Review Multi-Disciplinary Team,” is now available. This webinar features two elder abuse multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordinators who successfully implemented an MDT. The MDT coordinators discuss real problems and offer real world examples on how to make an elder abuse case review MDT work.

(Posted May 5, 2017)

In preparation for National Police Week this May 14–20, we offer several resources:

May’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Barry McCrary, Ph.D., an associate professor at Western Illinois University and previously a professor at the University of Phoenix teaching policy issues in criminal justice. Dr. McCrary has more than 30 years of experience in the field of juvenile justice, as well as more than 27 years of experience in training and academics. He worked for Allegheny County Juvenile Court, Community Intensive Supervision Program in Pittsburgh for 18 years, where he was responsible for counseling, designing, implementing, and monitoring a progressive treatment program.

(Posted May 1, 2017)

April 2017

In preparation for Older Americans Month this May we offer several resources:

May 7–13 is National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. Visit our download center for the Victim Impact: Listen and Learn curriculum or VAT Online page to take our module on Incarcerated Victims of Sexual Violence.

Victim Impact is geared toward helping offenders to become more aware of the impact that crime has on victims and to take responsibility for their actions and begin to make amends.

The Incarcerated Victims of Sexual Violence module defines sexual violence within correctional facilities, describes its unique aspects and risk factors, identifies challenges or obstacles to providing victim services, and identifies and describes some of the practical response strategies that can be implemented to address the needs of these victims.

(Posted April 20, 2017)

A recording of our April Expert Q&A session on “Building an Effective SANE Program” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

This session will focus on how to help law enforcement support and integrate victim assistance services within their agencies and, thereby, provide both crisis and longer term assistance to victims of DUI/impaired driving crashes and all crime victims.

Our April Consultant Spotlight shines on Anita Drummond, who served as the director of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission and as director of the Texas Attorney General's Crime Victim Compensation Division. Prior to that, she served as the counselor for Summerdale School for 11 years, where she worked with many children who had been abused and neglected, and as a part-time coordinator for the Southwest Alabama Abuse Network, a program that coordinates the use of telemedicine for rural child sexual abuse victims.

(Posted April 6, 2017)

The recording of our webinar, “Building Relationships With Medical Service Providers,” is now available. In this session, grantees gain information on how relationships with medical professionals and health care systems can support the delivery of comprehensive, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered services.

(Posted April 3, 2017)

March 2017

Please join us for a conversation with elder abuse multidisciplinary team (MDT) coordinators Kelly Burnett, Deputy Attorney, City of Richmond, Virginia; and facilitator Talitha Guinn-Shaver, EJI MDT Technical Advisor on Monday, April 24, 2:00–3:00 p.m. e.t. These MDT coordinators will talk about real problems and give real world examples about how to make an elder abuse case review MDT work.

The next two webinar recordings in our Elder Justice Initiative Webinar Series on "Introducing the Elder Justice Initiative Victim Specialist Resource" and “Helping Law Enforcement Respond to Elder Abuse Quickly” are now available.

The “Introducing the Elder Justice Initiative Victim Specialist Resource” webinar highlights how victim service providers can benefit from using the victim specialist web page at ElderJustice.gov to assist older victims, including access to many tools.

The “Helping Law Enforcement Respond to Elder Abuse Quickly” webinar highlights training materials and resources for state and local law enforcement officers available on ElderJustice.gov.

(Posted March 23, 2017)

In preparation for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 2–8, we highlight the following resources:

A recording of our March Expert Q&A session on “Working with At-risk Youth with High Levels of Trauma and Risk for (Re)Victimization” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

This session addresses how to mitigate the risk for both (re)victimization and criminal offending, the victim/offender overlap, responding to youth victims of crime, and the complex ethics and mandatory reporting requirements involved in this work.

(Posted March 23, 2017)

The recording of our webinar, “Needs of Male Victims,” is now available. This session provides grantees with information on strategies for supporting the needs of male victims through their programs.

(Posted March 22, 2017)

On April 19, 2017, at 2 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an Expert Q&A discussion with Susan Chasson and Jennifer Pierce-Weeks on “Building an Effective SANE Program.” This session will focus on how to start or improve a SANE program in your community with OVC's SANE Program Development and Operation Guide.

Due to the impending inclement weather in the Washington, DC area, the VOCA Administrator Meetings scheduled for March 15 and March 16, 2017, have been canceled. Please contact OVC TTAC at 1–866–682–8822 if you have any questions.

(Posted March 13, 2017)

February 2017

Our March Consultant Spotlight shines on Beverly Frantz, Ph.D., adjunct professor and project director of the criminal justice and sexual health programs at the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. Dr. Frantz specializes in working with individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism and the intersection of healthy sexuality, sexual violence, and the criminal justice system to ensure all survivors have access to equal justice. Dr. Frantz is an expert in working with victim services, law enforcement, the disability community, and the judiciary to develop sustainable and proactive strategies and resources to reduce the risk of sexual and domestic violence, especially for individuals with complex communication needs.

(Posted February 28, 2017)

In preparation for National Consumer Protection Week, March 5–11, we highlight the following resources:

This user-friendly e-learning tool will teach victim service professionals and allied professionals knowledge and skills to more effectively serve victims of identity theft and assist with their financial and emotional recovery.

The Cyber Fraud module includes information on the common types of Internet scams and resources available for victims of cyber fraud. It also includes information on how criminals use the Internet to defraud victims, common patterns present in cyber and Internet fraud, and strategies for increasing victims' online safety and coping with the emotional impact of the crime.

The Financial Crimes module explores the common types of financial crimes; common patterns present in financial crimes; how to locate resources for victims of financial crimes, especially mortgage fraud; and how to help victims identify personal strategies for coping with the emotional impact of the crime and preventing revictimization.

The Identity Theft module includes the definition of identity theft, information on who is at the highest risk of being victimized by identity theft, information about laws that support identity theft victims, and strategies to help victims recover from identity theft.

This module explores the circumstances and risk factors that contribute to financial exploitation of older adults, as well as strategies for addressing and preventing such cases. This module can help you identify and respond to financial exploitation being experienced by older clients; help older clients avoid financial exploitation by identifying their risk factors and providing information about how they can protect themselves; determine the extent of financial exploitation that has occurred or is occurring; take legal action to try to recover your client's funds or other assets; and address collateral effects of financial exploitation on your client.

(Posted February 27, 2017)

Our new online training, Polyvictimization in Later Life, is intended to focus thought and spark insights though its examination of the polyvictimization of older adults. Topics include: Context of Polyvictimization, Victims of Polyvictimization, Perpetrators of Polyvictimization, Working With Older Adults Affected by Polyvictimization, and Professional Implications.

(Posted February 23, 2017)

We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2017 NVAA Leadership Institute, which will be held online. This comprehensive training covers essential skills you need to guide, motivate, and support your staff to achieve your organization’s mission and vision.

The Leadership Institute is a free training that includes 10 online sessions held over 10 weeks, plus a Welcome and Introduction to Leadership week. The training is conducted by two nationally recognized experts in the victim services field. Learn the basics of effective leadership within organizations, use tools to develop your leadership skills, and create your own leadership mission, all while interacting with other victim service providers. CEUs are awarded when you complete all requirements.

(Posted February 17, 2017)

On March 22, 2017, at 2 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an Expert Q&A discussion with Mitru Ciarlante and Angela Downes on “Working with At-risk Youth with High Levels of Trauma and Risk for (Re)Victimization.” This session will address how to mitigate the risk for both (re)victimization and criminal offending, the victim/offender overlap, responding to youth victims of crime, and the complex ethics and mandatory reporting requirements involved in this work.

Register now to submit your own questions or visit the Expert Q&A page for more information.

(Posted February 15, 2017)

A recording of our February Expert Q&A session on “Applying for VOCA Formula Funds on the State Level” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

This session provides some best practices on how to best navigate this complicated state system to maximize your agency’s ability to build capacity in your organization and increase services to our most vulnerable victim populations.

(Posted February 15, 2017)

The first 2 recordings of the 20-part Elder Justice Initiative Webinar Series are now available. This series provides critical information for prosecutors, victim specialists, law enforcement, and others working on elder abuse cases.

The “Introduction to the Elder Justice Website” webinar introduces the U.S. Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative's new website, ElderJustice.gov, and highlights the tools and resources that support professionals in the field of elder abuse.

The “Elder Justice Prosecution Resources” webinar highlights training materials and resources available on ElderJustice.gov that help state and local prosecutors to prosecute elder abuse cases more effectively.

(Posted February 14, 2017)

Please join our webinar on Wednesday, March 8, 2:00–3:00 p.m. e.t., as we highlight the U.S. Department of Justice’s Elder Justice website, ElderJustice.gov.

Hosts Yolonda Campbell, Trial Attorney, Elder Justice Initiative and Randy Thomas, Law Enforcement Consultant and Trainer, will highlight training materials and resources for state and local law enforcement officers. The resources include—

Realizing the Vision for Future Victim Services highlights the efforts being made by OVC and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to improve the use, dissemination, and translation of research data to close the gap between research, policy, and practice.

(Posted February 2, 2017)

Our February Consultant Spotlight shines on Keisha Varnell, the director of interpersonal violence prevention programs through Title IX at Jackson State University. Ms. Varnell has been working in the field of interpersonal violence for more than 12 years and has facilitated many speaking engagements and training sessions on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, diversity, and LGBTQ issues. She serves as chair of the University S.M.A.R.T. (Sexual Misconduct/Assault Response Team), charged by the University to develop campus-wide sexual assault and interpersonal violence policies, trainings, and programs.

(Posted February 1, 2017)

January 2017

A recording of our January Expert Q&A session on “Addressing Substance Abuse When Responding to Survivors of Human Trafficking” is now available for viewing, along with a copy of the PowerPoint, on our Expert Q&A page.

This session addresses questions such as:

How does addiction play a role for survivors of human trafficking (HT) experiencing trauma?

What should service providers know about substance abuse when responding to survivors of HT or investigating HT?

How do we balance the substance abuse with the victimization and the trauma that occur?

(Posted January 31, 2017)

Please join our webinar on Monday, February 27, 2:00–3:00 p.m. e.t., as we introduce the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Elder Justice Initiative’s new website, ElderJustice.gov.

Hosts Maria Shumar, DOJ Elder Justice Initiative Victim Specialist Consultant, and Keeley Frank, National Center for Victims of Crime Senior Services Specialist, will highlight how victim service providers can benefit from using the victim specialist web page to assist older victims, including access to many tools such as the following:

The Teen Relationship Abuse module identifies warning signs of teen relationship abuse, explores the effect relationship abuse has on teens, and identifies resources victim advocates can use to help teen victims of relationship abuse.

The Campus/University Victims of Sexual Assault module provides a definition of campus sexual assault, describes barriers that victims of this crime face when seeking help, discusses laws, such as Title IX, in place to protect victims, and identifies strategies for serving victims of campus sexual assault.

This webinar series focuses on campus sexual assault for state and local sexual assault coalitions and programs throughout the country.

(Posted January 30, 2017)

On February 15, 2017, at 2 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will present an Expert Q&A discussion with Grace Call on "Applying for VOCA Formula Funds on the State Level: How to Navigate the New Final Rule, Increased VOCA Funding, and the State Administrating Agency Applications." This session will provide some best practices on how to best navigate this complicated state system to maximize your agency’s ability to build capacity in your organization and increase services to our most vulnerable victim populations.

This user-friendly e-learning tool teaches victim service professionals and allied professionals the knowledge and skills to more effectively serve victims of identity theft and assist with their financial and emotional recovery.

The Identity Theft module includes the definition of identity theft, information on who is at the highest risk of being victimized by identity theft, information about laws that support identity theft victims, and strategies to help victims recover from identity theft.

The Financial Crimes module explores the common types of financial crimes; common patterns present in financial crimes; how to locate resources for victims of financial crimes, especially mortgage fraud; and how to help victims identify personal strategies for coping with the emotional impact of the crime and preventing revictimization.

Use the Toolkit for Professionals to improve and expand services to identity theft victims, start a collaborative group in your area, as well as access downloadable, ready-to-customize training materials and brochures. Use the Resource Map to learn more about local agencies that offer legal assistance to victims of identity theft, available online legal self-help for clients in your state, professional identity theft networking opportunities, and state laws applicable to identity theft cases.

(Posted January 23, 2017)

On January 27, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. e.t., OVC TTAC will host a live Expert Q&A discussion with Tracy Busse and Elisabeth Corey on “Addressing Substance Abuse When Responding to Survivors of Human Trafficking.” This session will address questions such as:

How does addiction play a role for survivors of human trafficking who are experiencing trauma?

What should service providers know about substance abuse when responding to survivors of human trafficking or investigating cases of human trafficking?

How do you balance the substance abuse with the victimization and the trauma that occur?

Register now to submit your own questions or visit the Expert Q&A page for more information.

(Posted January 12, 2017)

Our January Consultant Spotlight shines on Bukola Oriola, a speaker, author, mentor, advocate, entrepreneur, and consultant. Ms. Oriola is also an award winning journalist and a survivor of labor trafficking and domestic violence. She is also a member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, appointed by President Barack Obama in December 2015. (Posted January 3, 2017)

December 2016

In preparation for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January, we highlight the following resources to help you serve victims of Human Trafficking:

Use this e-learning tool, developed by the Office for Victims of Crime and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, for guidance on how to form and develop new human trafficking task forces, ideas to strengthen existing human trafficking task forces, creative strategies, examples, and lessons learned from existing task forces and links to tools, trainings, and resources, including case studies.

OVC TTAC uses a network of consultants and experts in the victim services field to design and deliver customized technical assistance on a wide range of topics to address your organization’s most pressing needs and build your capacity to better serve crime victims. Sample Customized Technical Assistance topics requested include:

Enhancing Collaboration in Human Trafficking Task Forces

Victim-Centered Human Trafficking Investigations and Prosecutions

Providing Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Victim Services

If you are a service provider or organization of any kind, please reach out to humantrafficking@ovcttac.org and ask how we can help you get the training you need to combat human trafficking in your community.

Take this module to learn about several common stalking behaviors, how social minimization and normalization of stalking affects our ability to recognize the crime of stalking, and strategies service providers can use when helping victims of stalking.

Our December Consultant Spotlight shines on Virginia Pérez-Ortega, an independent consultant and a part time employee as the Violence Prevention Co-director at Enlace Comunitario, an organization working in central New Mexico to eliminate domestic violence in the Latino immigrant community and to promote healthy families. Ms. Pérez-Ortega’s consulting experience includes training, facilitation, and coordination of victim advocacy related projects and events. In addition, she is an English-Spanish translator and interpreter. (Posted December 1, 2016)

The SANE Program Development and Operation Guide, a blueprint for communities that would like to start a SANE program. For communities with existing SANE programs, the Guide serves as a resource to help expand or enhance services provided to the community.

Videos to inform and assist victim service providers and allied professionals in their efforts to develop and maintain local SANE and SART programs.

Victim Assistance Training Online
This Web-based victim advocacy training program includes a module on Impaired Driving. Take this module to learn about impaired driving crimes, the effects these crimes have on victims, and strategies service providers can use when helping victims of impaired driving crimes.

(Posted November 28, 2016)

The recording of our webinar, “Helping Victims of Mass Violence & Terrorism: Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resources Toolkit – Donation Management,” is now available. This session provides an overview of the complex process of managing donations. The process includes organizing, storing, and disbursing the funds, goods, and services received in response to incidents of mass violence or terrorism. Lessons learned from previous incidents consistently underscore that response and recovery efforts are more effective when there is a planned and comprehensive donation management strategy in place that focuses on both the immediate and longer term needs of victims, survivors, and the affected community.

Check out our new and improved Victim Impact: Listen and Learn curriculum, structured to hold offenders accountable for the harm they have caused and to help foster their empathy toward crime victims and survivors. Updates include a revised facilitator manual and participant workbook and updated website content. The curriculum may be taught to either adult or juvenile offenders who are in custody or community-based correctional settings. Visit the site today to gather all the materials you'll need to conduct the training.

(Posted November 16, 2016)

November 13–19 is International Fraud Awareness Week. Check out some of our resources available for serving victims of fraud, including the National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network, Identity Theft Victim Assistance Online Training, and our VAT Online module on Cyber Fraud.

The National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network is a network of coalitions across the country, engaged in creating, enhancing, and delivering identity theft victim assistance training and outreach to improve the ability of the coalition members to provide direct victim assistance services.

The Cyber Fraud VAT Online module includes information on the common types of Internet scams and resources available for victims of cyber fraud. It also includes information on how criminals use the Internet to defraud victims, common patterns present in cyber and Internet fraud, and strategies for increasing victims' online safety and coping with the emotional impact of the crime.

(Posted November 14, 2016)

Take a look at our newly improved Webinars page for unlimited access to recordings and other resources from each of our webinars. This page was redesigned to make it easier for you to access the webinars that will help you to build your capacity to serve victims of crime. Just find the series you are interested in and select “View” to see all the available webinar recordings and resources. Topics include campus sexual assault; capacity building webinars for human trafficking service providers; human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault; mass violence and terrorism; specific considerations for providing victim services; telemedicine; victims’ rights; and Vision 21 Talks. (Posted November 10, 2016)

November is National American Indian Heritage Month. Register for the VAT Online modules on American Indian/Alaska Native Populations and Tribal Justice Systems and visit the Tribal Law section of the SANE Guide for information on working with tribal victims.

VAT Online’s American Indian/Alaska Native Populations module covers key issues impacting American Indian and Alaska Native victims of crime. It also describes barriers American Indian and Alaska Native victims face when seeking help after being the victims of crime, and provides strategies for serving American Indian and Alaska Native victims

The Tribal Justice Systems module takes a high-level look at the various types of justice used in tribal areas. Tribal justice systems can vary from traditional Western-style systems to tribal courts and traditional courts, including family and community forums.

The Tribal Law section of the SANE Guide is helpful to programs that work with tribal victims of sexual assault, as many tribes have enacted their own legal codes. A SANE program that provides care to a tribal entity should be aware of any tribal laws impacting that specific program.

(Posted November 7, 2016)

The recordings from our five-part webinar series on “Telemedicine: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Responding to Sexual Assault” are now available. A collaborative effort with the National TeleNursing Center, these webinars are targeted to provide training to sexual assault clinicians to increase their confidence, competence, and retention, as well as support quality care for sexual assault patients. (Posted November 7, 2016)

The recording of our webinar, “Addressing Substance Use Disorders Amongst Human Trafficking Survivors,” is now available. This session explores the effects of substance use as a coping tool, service barrier, and mechanism of control experienced by survivors of human trafficking. Participants learn practical skills to better provide trauma informed services including advocacy, safety planning, documentation, referral, and program accommodation. (Posted November 7, 2016)

November’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Noorie Brantmeier, an Assistant Professor at James Madison University, who teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on research methodology, adult training and development, diversity in organizational settings, and Native American studies. Ms. Brantmeier has consulted for many Native nations and organizations including First Nations Development Institute, the National Congress of American Indians Policy Research Center, and Oweesta Corporation, on issues related to community development, research and data collection in Native communities. She currently sits on the board of First Step, a local domestic violence shelter. (Posted November 1, 2016)

The Cyber Fraud module includes information on the common types of Internet scams and resources available for victims of cyber fraud. It also includes information on how criminals use the Internet to defraud victims, common patterns present in cyber and Internet fraud, and strategies for increasing victims' online safety and coping with the emotional impact of the crime. (Posted October 24, 2016)

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn more about OVC’s online training resources on this topic, including VAT Online’s Intimate Partner Violence module and Online Elder Abuse Training for Legal Service Providers’ Domestic Violence module.

Intimate partner violence, or IPV, is sometimes known as domestic violence, and it affects millions of persons in the U.S. regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, race, age, religion, education, or economic status. The VAT Online module on Intimate Partner Violence will go into detail on how victim service providers can assist victims of intimate partner violence, and how to help victims identify the goals they seek in getting help, and assisting the victim in achieving those goals.

The Online Elder Abuse Training for Legal Service Providers provides training to legal aid and other civil attorneys to identify and respond to elder abuse. The Domestic Violence module will address the following key learning points:

The definitions of domestic violence and sexual assault in later life.

The "red flags" of sexual assault and domestic violence, including risk factors, power and control dynamics, and indicators.

Establishing trust when communicating with possible victims of abuse and their families.

Effective ways to respond to cases of domestic violence and sexual assault, such as restraining orders and safety planning.

Key considerations when recommending options to your clients.

(Posted October 17, 2016)

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Take our Victim Assistance Training Online module on Bullying to learn about the characteristics, prevalence, and other information related to this crime.

Bullying affects thousands of children and youth each year through physical, verbal, and cyber bullying. This module defines and recognizes the different forms of bullying, identifies those who are involved in bullying situations, identifies the effects of bullying on victims and the perpetrator, identifies the motivations of children and youth who bully and the risk factors of children who are bullied, and describes ways to help children and youth who are bullied, including helping victims in the short term, and prevention strategies to share with schools in the long term.

This session highlights the efforts being made by OVC and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) to improve the use, dissemination, and translation of research data to close the gap between research, policy, and practice. The workshop includes an analysis of groundbreaking efforts from the BJS to enhance existing data that often go underutilized, and addresses how efforts to bridge the divide have already shed critical light on the lack of victim services in key settings.

(Posted October 10, 2016)

October’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Lindy Aldrich. Ms. Aldrich has been with the Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC) since 2007, beginning as a staff attorney and becoming deputy director in 2010. Along with managing the daily activities of the VRLC and Boston office staff attorneys, she continues to represent victims of sexual assault across the Commonwealth in a wide range of legal areas, including education, privacy, safety, and federal and state government benefits. Ms. Aldrich received recognition as one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2012 Top Women in the Law. She is a member of the Rappaport Center on Law and Public Service Advisory Board. Ms. Aldrich received her juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 2006 and was named the 2013 Outstanding Young Alumni. (Posted October 3, 2016)

September 2016

The recording for one of our Vision 21 Talks on "Supporting Young Male Survivors of Violence" is now available. This session highlights different intervention models currently in use to serve young male survivors of violence. During this 90-minute session, each of the panelists provides an overview of their respective community or hospital-based program or initiative. (Posted September 22, 2016)

Visit our new Resource Library, a searchable collection of materials that you can use for your organizational development and training needs. Inside you will find tools, promotional materials, reference materials, and more. (Posted September 21, 2016)

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. Campus/University sexual assault is, unfortunately, a serious crime that is widespread across college and university campuses all over the United States. Check out our recorded campus sexual assault webinars on our Legal Assistance for Crime Victims page or take the VAT Online course Campus/University Victims of Sexual Assault to learn more about strategies for serving victims of campus sexual assault.

Visit the Legal Assistance for Crime Victims page to view webinar recordings of Title IX issues for state and local sexual assault coalitions and programs throughout the country. Topics include Negotiating Safety and Remedial Measures in Campus Sexual Assault Cases, Campus Sexual Assault: Advocating Under Title IX, Safety Planning With Campus Sexual Violence Victims, and many more.

Our VAT Online module Campus/University Victims of Sexual Assault provides a definition of campus sexual assault, describes barriers that victims of this crime face when seeing help, discusses laws, such as Title IX, in place to protect victims, and identifies strategies for serving victims of campus sexual assault.

(Posted September 19, 2016)

The recordings for our webinars, "Human Trafficking Case Study: United States v. Alaboudi” and “Leveraging Strategic Partnerships To Improve Housing Access for Trafficking Survivors,” are now available.

“Human Trafficking Case Study: United States v. Alaboudi” highlights the complex vulnerabilities associated with trafficking of native minor and adult victims, and evaluates cross-disciplinary collaborative efforts. Speakers identify lessons learned from the case study that contributed to a successful conviction and to diverse short and long term outcomes for survivors.

Customized technical assistance is also available to city, county, and state level organizations to develop a comprehensive victim assistance plan to respond to incidents of mass violence and terrorism. We know from past incidents that the effectiveness of response and recovery efforts are greatly enhanced by establishing victim assistance protocols in advance of an event of mass violence or terrorism. Communities with established protocols are better prepared to support a holistic approach to assisting victims. If you would like to request mass violence and terrorism customized technical assistance, please contact TTAC@ovcttac.org.

(Posted September 6, 2016)

The recordings for our webinars, "Title IX Live Chat" and “Campus Safety Planning: Remedial Measures, Schedule Mapping, and No Contact Orders,” are now available.

In the “Title IX Live Chat” session, the Victim Rights Law Center answers questions regarding the Campus Safety Planning, Schedule Mapping, and other Title IX issues.

The recordings for our Vision 21 Talks on "Assisting Original Crime Victims and Survivors in Wrongful Conviction Cases" and “Inspiring Action To Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” are now available.

The aim of the "Assisting Original Crime Victims and Survivors in Wrongful Conviction Cases" session is to raise awareness among prosecutor-based staff and other victim advocates and allied professionals to more effectively assist survivors during exoneration processes. Two original victims who faced post-conviction exonerations share their personal and very compelling stories, followed by Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney, who provides recommendations from a prosecutor's perspective on ways to improve the experiences of victims facing an exoneration. The Healing Justice Project concludes with a summary of general recommended practices to improve the experiences of original victims.

The "Inspiring Action To Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls" session reviews key research findings and introduces the Move to End Violence Research Into Action Guide, a set of practical recommendations to use when working to inspire people to take action to end violence against girls and women. It concludes with some real-life examples from Futures Without Violence, about how they have successfully implemented the recommendations put forth in the Research Into Action Guide.

(Posted September 6, 2016)

September’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Julia M. da Silva, a native Brazilian staff member with the American Psychological Association (APA), and director of APA’s Violence Prevention Office. Ms. da Silva serves as the primary point person for the APA on violence, prevention, and treatment issues, and represents the APA in local, state, national, and international efforts and forums on violence and prevention. She has extensive experience and expertise in development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of programs and projects; coordination of multi-site interventions; curriculum and training materials; and training and public speaking for diverse audiences. She is fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese and has had work experiences in Brazil and internships in France. Ms. da Silva earned a graduate degree in Sociology from the University of Paris III, France, and a B.S. in Psychology from Catholic University, Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Posted September 1, 2016)

OVC is partnering with BJS on a number of activities designed to improve the dissemination and translation of relevant social science findings and statistical data for the crime victim assistance field. This workshop will highlight some of the initial findings related to this challenge, as well as new products and resources designed to overcome it.

OVC has launched two new Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) modules. The topics of the new modules are Immigrant Populations and Refugee Populations.

The Immigrant Populations module discusses the types of crimes immigrants are susceptible to in the United States and strategies victim service providers can use to help them. This module also addresses several immigration relief options.

The Refugee Populations module addresses the types of crimes for which refugees are commonly at risk, strategies victim service providers can use to help victims, and resources available to refugee victims of crime.

VAT Online is a Web-based victim advocacy training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime.

(Posted August 15, 2016)

August 12 is International Youth Day. Register for our Victim Assistance Training Online module, Children and Youth.

Children and youth are a highly victimized segment of the general population. They are victims of some of the same crimes adults experience, and also some that are unique to childhood and adolescence. This module identifies different crimes that impact children and youth, describes how children and youth react to trauma, identifies the developmental impact of trauma on children and youth of different ages, and describes strategies for working with child and youth victims of crime.

(Posted August 12, 2016)

Please join us for a session on, “Supporting Young Male Survivors of Violence,” on August 25, 2016, 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. e.t. to learn more about three exciting intervention models currently in use to serve young male survivors of violence. During this 90-minute session, panelists will provide an overview of their innovative programs and initiatives, which are listed below.

Healing Hurt People is a community-focused, trauma-informed, hospital-based program designed to reduce PTSD, re-injury, and retaliation among youth ages 8–30.

Make It Happen is a community program that provides young men who have experienced violence with the tools necessary to overcome traumatic experiences and enable them to succeed in spite of those experiences.

Caught in the Crossfire is a hospital-based peer intervention program that hires young adults who overcame violence in their own lives to work with youth who are recovering from violent injuries.

August’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Krista R. Flannigan, J.D., a crisis management consultant specializing in victimization issues related to high profile victimization, including mass violence. She trains nationally on coordinated community response for victims who are participating in high profile mass violence trials, as well as the impact of mass violence on victims and communities. Ms. Flannigan is an instructor and the director of the Institute for Crime Victim Research and Policy at Florida State University's College of Criminology. (Posted August 1, 2016)

July 2016

All of us with the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center were saddened to learn of the passing of John “Jay” Foley, Jr., 62, of Hemet, California, on February 28, 2016. An OVC Consultant since 2004, he was a nationally known speaker, and he was passionate about working to prevent identity theft and cybercrime. After his wife and partner, Linda, became a victim, they co-founded the Identity Theft Resource Center in 1999. Jay specialized in cybercrime and criminal identity theft, and he worked with the California Office of Privacy Protection regarding the enormous problem of identity theft and foster children. He was instrumental in the passage of several bills that redefined identity theft and assisted victims in resolving their cases. Jay and Linda Foley’s efforts were recognized with the 2004 National Crime Victim Assistance Award presented by the U.S. Attorney General; the 2010 Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus Suzanne McDaniel Public Awareness Award; and commendations from Senator Dianne Feinstein. They also served on the Attorney General’s task force on identity theft. He made a lasting contribution to the field, and he will be missed. We share our condolences with Linda, daughters April and Angelic, and all of his family and friends.

(Posted July 27, 2016)

The newly redesigned OVCTTAC.GOV website makes it easier for you to find the tools and resources you need to help build your capacity to serve victims of crime. Along with the new look, the website includes improved navigation, refreshed content, updated training and technical assistance applications, and a revised fact sheet.

Victim Impact is geared toward helping offenders to become more aware of the impact that crime has on victims and to take responsibility for their actions and begin to make amends. The curriculum makes victims and their rights a central premise. (Posted July 18, 2016)

Every year, DNA and other evidence leads to the discovery of wrongful convictions and subsequent exonerations in cases that were long since considered resolved. The original crime victims and survivors in these cases inevitably suffer new trauma upon discovery that the wrong person was convicted. This session will focus on building awareness and understanding about the unique needs of victims and survivors in these cases and about the specific types of support that should be provided.

The recording for our webinar, "Negotiating Safety and Remedial Measures in Campus Sexual Assault Cases,” is now available. This session provides detailed, practical tips on where to begin with a new campus case, how to assist a survivor with obtaining the safety and remedial measures they need, and how to assist a survivor throughout all stages of the resolution process. (Posted July 6, 2016)

July’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Carl Wicklund, the former executive director of the American Probation and Parole Association. In this role, Carl administered more than 100 grants and training and technical assistance projects, research and information clearinghouse services related to pretrial, probation, parole and services for victims of crime. He oversaw numerous face-to-face training programs as well as the development and delivery of distance learning endeavors. (Posted July 1, 2016)

Join Lake Research Partners and Springboard Partners for a webinar on, “Inspiring Action To Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” on July 13, 2016, 1:00–2:00 p.m. e.t. to discuss the research findings and introduce the Move to End Violence Research Into Action Guide, a set of practical recommendations you can use in your work to inspire people to take action to end violence against girls and women.

June is Internet Safety Month. To learn more about the common types of Internet scams and resources available for victims of cyber fraud, take our VAT Online module, Cyber Fraud.

This module also includes information on how criminals use the Internet to defraud victims, common patterns present in cyber and Internet fraud, and strategies for increasing victims' online safety and coping with the emotional impact of the crime. (Posted June 20, 2016)

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. OVC in collaboration with the Access to Justice Initiative and the Elder Justice Initiative, developed a free, four-part, online Elder Abuse Training to give legal service providers the training and resources to assist victims of elder abuse.

The four modules will help strengthen your knowledge and skills to assist victims of elder abuse, including:

• Recognizing the signs of elder abuse, including financial exploitation, domestic violence, and sexual assault in later life.

• Identifying older adults who are at risk of abuse.

• Understanding and responding to difficult ethical issues that arise with clients who are victims of elder abuse.

• Identifying various legal remedies available to victims of elder abuse.

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative is collaborating with the Victim Rights Law Center to host a webinar series on Title IX issues for state and local sexual assault coalitions and programs throughout the country. Please register early, as space is limited.

June is LGBT Pride Month. Learn more about resources for working with LGBTQ-identified people, communities, and survivors.

LGBTQ people are in danger of victimization not only because of their race or class, but also because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The VAT Online module, LGBTQ populations, includes information on language, terminology, and concepts commonly used in LGBTQ communities, the differences between gender identity and sexual orientation, a historical and legal perspective of LGBTQ rights and recognition, barriers LGBTQ people face when accessing services, and ways to increase your agency's ability and capacity to effectively serve LGBTQ people.

OVC’s Serving LGBTQ Survivors of Violence Training by Request can also help victim advocates and allied professionals strengthen their knowledge of the obstacles LGBTQ people experience in seeking victim services and explore how best to overcome or alleviate these issues.

(Posted June 6, 2016)

The recording for our webinar, "Title IX and Clery Act Live Chat,” is now available. This session focuses on a facilitated discussion with the Victim Rights Law Center and the Clery Center for Security on Campus about victims of campus sexual assault. (Posted June 3, 2016)

June’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Chai Jindasurat, the Co-Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. Chai oversees the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, which works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities. Mr. Jindasurat has been featured in local, state, and national publications including The Advocate, The Boston Globe, and The Huffington Post. (Posted June 2, 2016)

Children and youth are a highly victimized segment of the general population. VAT Online’s new Children and Youth module identifies different crimes that impact this group, describes how children and youth react to trauma, and describes strategies for working with child and youth victims of crime. (Posted May 16, 2016)

To participate in this important training, we encourage you to register for the web-based training event that aligns most closely with your geographic region. (If you are unable to attend the training event scheduled for your geographic region, please register for one of the other events.)

(Posted May 12, 2016)

May is Older Americans Month. Learn more about resources for working with elderly victims of crime.

Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) offers a course on Elder Abuse, which provides information about what elder abuse is, and how victims are affected by this crime. It includes issues related to the crime, such as prevalence and victim impact as well as tips and strategies to help victims. VAT Online also offers a course on Elderly Populations. The course provides information on elderly victims of crime, and includes issues that victims may face, as well as tips and strategies to help victims.

The Training by Request, Identifying and Responding to Elder Abuse, is designed for victim advocates and other allied professionals to learn to recognize the risk factors for and indicators of elder abuse among older persons; name the types of elder abuse, relevant statutes, and responsibilities of a mandated reporter; and intervene appropriately and collaborate with other organizations and agencies involved with elder abuse.

May’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Christopher M. Grant, the former Chief of Detectives of the Rapid City, South Dakota Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division and the former commander of the Rapid City Area Gang Task Force. Mr. Grant is a nationally recognized authority on Native American street gang and prison gang trends. He has worked with law enforcement, educators and community leaders in over 65 tribal communities, providing community and school gang and drug threat assessments, as well as training programs to assist in understanding, recognizing and addressing gang and drug activity in Indian Country. (Posted April 29, 2016)

Did you know that OVC TTAC offers live, interactive, facilitated training sessions and conferences, which are recorded and transcribed for unlimited access? Access all of our recorded webinars on our Webinars page. (Posted April 25, 2016)

Two federal laws—the Jeanne Clery Act and Title IX—influence campus prevention and response to sexual violence. “Title IX and Clery Act Intersections,” highlights how the laws intersect regarding requirements, resources, and options available to campus survivors. “Understanding the Clery Act,” provides an overview of the Clery Act's requirements and how the Act influences on- and off-campus response and resources.

(Posted April 21, 2016)

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Learn about resources available to help you assist child victims.

April’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Maria Busineau, the Associate Director of the Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut. Ms. Busineau manages the 24-hour crisis hotline, community prevention and education programs, as well as the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers. She has provided training and technical assistance to enlisted and civilian personnel at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Naval Submarine Base. She participates in multiple college multidisciplinary teams in Eastern Connecticut and is a member of the Windham AIDS Task Force. Ms. Busineau is a member of the Spanish Response Team and the Latinx Advisory Committee with the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence (Connecticut’s statewide alliance of rape crisis centers). She is a Certified Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor as well as a Pastoral Counselor, having received her training at The Saint Francis Academy for Clinical Pastoral Counseling, as well as a certified medical interpreter, English/Spanish. (Posted April 1, 2016)

What if you could meet the needs of the survivors you serve more effectively? You might be eligible for FREE training and technical assistance! Talk to an OVC TTAC TA Specialist today about the challenges facing your organization. Email humantrafficking@ovcttac.org or call 1-866-OVC-TTAC (1-866-682-8822).

(Posted March 28, 2016)

All of us at the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center are saddened to learn that Jennifer Lynn McLaughlin, 43, of Edmonton, Oklahoma, passed away on January 16, 2016, following complications from a blood clot and stroke. As an OVC Consultant since 2014, she was a trainer for OVC’s Strengthening Military-Civilian Community Partnerships to Respond to Sexual Assault (SMCCP) training and delivered an SMCCP training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 2014. In addition to her work on this important training, Jennifer was the Director of Professional Development for the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She was a leading expert on domestic violence and sexual assault for the State of Oklahoma and was the driving force behind the creation of the Oklahoma Certified Domestic Sexual Violence Response Professional training program for advocates. Jennifer is survived by her parents, brother, sister, nieces and nephews, and many friends, and she leaves behind a significant legacy of service and accomplishments that are an inspiration to her family, her friends, and her professional colleagues. Everyone in the victim services field shares this tremendous loss with all who knew her and who benefited from her service.

(Posted March 11, 2016)

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative is collaborating with the Clery Center for Security on Campus to host a webinar series on Clery Act issues for state and local sexual assault coalitions and programs throughout the country.

The Clery Center will present a webinar on, “Understanding the Clery Act,” April 18, 2016, 1:30–3:00 p.m. e.t. This webinar will provide an overview of the Clery Act's requirements and how the Act influences on- and off-campus response and resources.

(Posted March 10, 2016)

March 6–12 is National Consumer Protection Week. Check out Victim Assistance Training Online for our course on Financial Crimes. This module explores the common types of financial crimes; common patterns present in financial crimes; how to locate resources for victims of financial crimes, especially mortgage fraud; and how to help victims identify personal strategies for coping with the emotional impact of the crime and preventing victimization. (Posted March 7, 2016)

This revised training is based on the highly successful NVAA Leadership Institute and includes:

More scenarios and content with practical applications, such as how to structure a workday, create more effective teams, and develop a leadership plan.

New information on emotional intelligence, communication skills, change and transition, and leading diverse teams.

New activities on topics such as team building, time management, and communication.

This comprehensive 2-day leadership training is designed for leaders and program managers at all levels of experience. CEUs are available upon successful completion of the training.

(Posted March 2, 2016)

March’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Debra L. Stanley, Ph.D., professor and executive director of the School of Criminal Justice at the University of Baltimore, and director of the Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland. In 2008, Dr. Stanley developed a victim studies specialization for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program at the University of Baltimore, and in 2014, she developed a new undergraduate minor in victimology and a post-baccalaureate Trauma-Informed Certificate program. Dr. Stanley has extensive research experience in victimology, domestic violence, child homicide, child victimization, youth violence, elderly victimization, drunk driving, drugs and crime, and program development and evaluation. She serves as the president of the American Society of Victimology, vice chair of the Victimology Section, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and is a member of the Advisory Council for the U.S. Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus. She earned her Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland. (Posted March 1, 2016)

The recording for our February webinar, "Case Study on Collaboration," is now available. This session focuses on how multidisciplinary, long-term collaboration is vital to uncovering hidden human trafficking cases, how various disciplines may have competing interests and pressures and can still collaborate, and how task forces can consider a broad definition of success as defined by the survivor. (Posted March 1, 2016)

On our Additional Training and Technical Assistance Links page, you can find resources such as, “Break the Cycle” which engages, educates and empowers young people to build lives and communities free from domestic and dating violence. Building on their direct experience working with young people, Break the Cycle offers trainings that help adult professionals build their knowledge and increase their capacity to meet the needs of young people.

In the Teen Relationship Abuse VAT Online course, we’ll review warning signs of teen relationship abuse, explore the effect relationship abuse has on teens and identify resources victim advocates can use to help teen victims of relationship abuse.

(Posted February 22, 2016)

OVC has launched 12 new Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) modules. The topics of the new modules are Arson, Bullying, Children and Youth, Hate and Bias Crimes, Homeless Victims, Impaired Driving, Incarcerated Victims of Sexual Violence, Property Crime, Stalking, Teen Relationship Abuse, Terrorism and Mass Violence, and U.S. Citizens Victimized Overseas. VAT Online is a Web-based victim advocacy training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime. (Posted February 15, 2016)

We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2016 NVAA Leadership Institute, which will be held online. This comprehensive training covers essential skills you need to guide, motivate, and support your staff to achieve your organization’s mission and vision.

The Leadership Institute is a free training that includes 10 online sessions held over 10 weeks, plus a Welcome and Introduction to Leadership week. The training is conducted by two nationally recognized experts in the victim services field. Learn the basics of effective leadership within organizations, use tools to develop your leadership skills, and create your own leadership mission, all while interacting with other victim service providers. CEUs are awarded when you complete all requirements. (Posted February 10, 2016)

February 9 is International Safer Internet Day. Check out Victim Assistance Training Online for our course on Cyber Fraud. The Cyber Fraud module includes information on the common types of Internet scams and resources available for victims of cyber fraud. It also includes information on how criminals use the Internet to defraud victims, common patterns present in cyber and Internet fraud, and strategies for increasing victims' online safety and coping with the emotional impact of the crime. (Posted February 9, 2016)

February’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Ruby Nelson, Ph.D., the program manager of Community Services in Community Partnerships Administration for the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency. Dr. Nelson has provided therapeutic services to children and adults to address issues such as trauma, substance abuse, academic achievement, and family violence. She conducted forensic interviews with child victims of sexual abuse and advocated for families to identify resources to meet their needs. She also implemented a system-wide resiliency program for the Community Partnership Administration. (Posted February 1, 2016)

January 2016

The recording for our January webinar on "Program Evaluation” is now available. This session focuses on the different methods of program evaluation, ways for constructing surveys relevant to human trafficking, and analyzing feedback from clients. (Posted January 29, 2016)

January 25–29 is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week. Learn about resources available to help you assist victims of identity theft.

The Federal Trade Commission and Internal Revenue Service will co-host a webinar on “Assisting the Victims of Tax Identity Theft” on Thursday, January 28 at 1:00 p.m. e.t. Learn what to look for and how to report tax related identity theft issues, and where to find information and resources. Click here to join the online event.

Visit the National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network and use the Toolkit for Professionals to improve and expand services to identity theft victims, start a collaborative group in your area, as well as access downloadable, ready-to-customize training materials and brochures. Or use the Resource Map to learn more about local agencies that offer legal assistance to victims of identity theft, available online legal self-help for clients in your state, professional identity theft networking opportunities, and state laws applicable to identity theft cases.

(Posted January 26, 2016)

January is National Stalking Awareness Month. Learn more about resources for working with victims of stalking on our Additional Training and Technical Assistance Links page. The Use of Technology to Stalk Online Course is a resource produced by the Stalking Resource Center of the National Center for Victims of Crime. This self-paced, interactive online training increases the ability of criminal justice professionals and victim service providers to recognize how stalkers use technology and, ultimately, enhances their ability to work with victims of stalking. (Posted January 19, 2016)

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. If you are a service provider or organization of any kind, please reach out to humantrafficking@ovcttac.org and ask how we can help you get the training you need to combat human trafficking in your community. We provide training and technical assistance to a variety of stakeholders by supporting the work of OVC Human Trafficking grantees, promoting collaboration and communication among human trafficking task forces, and building capacity among general victim service providers, allied professionals, and the general public.

Follow the links below for some of the ways in which we can support your human trafficking efforts.

OVC TTAC is proud to announce that a Live Chat feature is now available on our website! This feature allows you to interact with a member of the OVC TTAC team directly to ask questions or request assistance in real time. Just click on the chat box that appears at the bottom of every page when an agent is available. The Live Chat hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m. eastern time. We look forward to chatting with you. (Posted January 5, 2016)

December 2015

January’s Consultant Spotlight shines on Katherine Kaufka Walts, J.D., the director of the Center for Human Rights of Children at Loyola University Chicago. Ms. Kaufka Walts served as executive director of the International Organization for Adolescents and managed the Counter-Human Trafficking project at the National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago. Most recently, her work focuses on issues affecting children, including the intersection of child welfare and child trafficking, Safe Harbor laws, and effective responses to child trafficking. She has subject matter expertise in the areas of commercial sexual exploitation of children, immigrant victims, child and juvenile/youth victims, sex and labor trafficking, developing and delivering training and technical assistance, and training of trainers. (Posted December 31, 2015)

December's Consultant Spotlight shines on Steven Dakai, Ph.D. A.D., a nationally recognized trainer and consultant in the field of addictions, behavioral health, trauma, domestic violence, and wellness for more than 16 years. Dr. Dakai has spent his career working in Native American communities, first with the Inupiat in Northwest Alaska for 8 years, and then with the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin for 6 years. (Posted December 2, 2015)

November 2015

The recording for our November webinar on "Labor Trafficking – Research to Practice," the latest in our "Capacity Building Webinars for Human Trafficking Service Providers" series, is now available. This session focuses on the findings in San Diego State University's recent report on labor trafficking. (Posted November 24, 2015)

From conference workshops to needs assessments, OVC TTAC offers specialized training and technical assistance to meet your organization’s needs. Learn about the different types of training and technical assistance available, eligibility requirements, and how to apply on our Customized Training and Technical Assistance page. (Posted November 18, 2015)

Do you know a victim service provider working in the field of child abuse suffering from secondary traumatic stress or burnout? Our Building Resiliency in Child Abuse Organizations training can help program managers introduce strategies within their organizations to promote resiliency. This resource is offered as a blended online training, a 1-day in-person training, a 4-hour in-person training, or as a Training by Request. (Posted November 18, 2015)

November's Consultant Spotlight shines on Leila Goldsmith, J.D., who has served as the child advocacy coordinator for the Tulalip Tribes since 2007. She has subject matter expertise in the areas of child protection and systems improvement, and the ability to work cross-culturally with tribal, federal, and local entities. (Posted November 2, 2015)

October 2015

The recording for our September webinar on "Working Together Part II: The Courts," the latest in our "Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Sexual Assault: Strategies to Strengthen Community Collaboration to Respond to Survivors' Needs" series, is now available. This session identifies court-based strategies to address the needs of trafficking victims and understand the role and significance of the court and judicial leadership in developing a response to human trafficking. (Posted October 30, 2015)

Sign up for the OVC TTAC mailing list to get the latest news and updates. Subscribe and be the first to hear about opportunities with upcoming webinars, training and technical assistance, human trafficking, legal assistance and other specialized subject areas. (Posted October 30, 2015)

October's Consultant Spotlight shines on Fran Danis, Ph.D., who has more than 35 years of experience in victim assistance, including in the areas of direct practice, policy advocacy, administration, curriculum development and training, research, and evaluation. She was the founder and first executive director of Denton County Friends of the Family, an organization that serves survivors of domestic and sexual violence. (Posted October 1, 2015)

September 2015

Two new human trafficking webinar recordings are now available on the OVC TTAC website:

The recording for our August webinar on "Survivor Informed Programming," the latest in our "Capacity Building Webinars for Human Trafficking Service Providers," is now available. This session highlights what is survivor informed programming, how to utilize survivor informed practices in organization programming and how to integrate these practices in case management during a client intake, and short-term and long-term service provision. (Posted September 11, 2015)

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative and the National Crime Victim Law Institute will host a live chat session as part of their three-part webinar series on Providing Legal Representation to Child Victims. If you attended the two previous webinars, "Effective Legal Representation of Child Victims: What Every Lawyer Should Know About the Impact of Trauma" and "Effective Communication Techniques: Strategies for Interacting With and Representing Child Victim Clients," or viewed them on our Web site, we invite you to attend our live chat session on Thursday September 24 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET. This forum is an opportunity to ask the experts from the National Crime Victim Law Institute questions about the impact of trauma and representing child victims.

September's Consultant Spotlight shines on Ana Nogales, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at Nogales Psychological Counseling, Inc. and the founder of Casa de la Familia, a nonprofit organization for victims of rape, sexual assault, child sexual and physical abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence. She has practiced in Los Angeles and Orange Counties for more than 30 years, supervising a clinical staff of 45 bilingual-bicultural mental health professionals and overseeing outreach and advocate programs, including the Los Angeles Police Department - Domestic Abuse Response Team. (Posted September 1, 2015)

August 2015

OVC has launched five new Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) modules, including Assault, Campus/University Victims of Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, Ethics, and Human Trafficking. VAT Online is a Web-based basic victim advocacy training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime. (Posted August 31, 2015)

The recording for the August 18 Title IX Live Chat on campus sexual assault is now available. The webinar, a collaboration between OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative and the Victim Rights Law Center, was an opportunity for participants to ask experts questions about safety planning and/or legal representation for victims of campus sexual assault. (Posted August 19, 2015)

The recording for the July 21 Title IX webinar on “Legal Representation for Victims of Campus Sexual Assault” is now available. This webinar, a collaboration with the Victim Rights Law Center, addresses victims’ rights and remedies related to their rights under Title IX, including safety, accommodation, and judicial process; and discusses eligibility and strategies for filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. (Posted August 4, 2015)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Ron Reinstein, a judicial consultant for the Arizona Supreme Court and director of the Center for Evidence-Based Sentencing. He is also chair of the Supreme Court Commission on Victims in the Courts, the Supreme Court Capital Case Oversight Committee, and chair of the Arizona Forensic Science Advisory Committee. (Posted August 3, 2015)

July 2015

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative is collaborating with the Victim Rights Law Center to host a live chat on Title IX issues on August 18. This forum is an opportunity to ask the experts from the Victim Rights Law Center questions about safety planning and/or legal representation for victims of campus sexual assault. If you attended OVC's two recent Title IX webinars, “Safety Planning With Campus Sexual Violence Victims” and “Legal Representation for Victims of Campus Sexual Assault,” we invite you to attend. Registration is now open.(Posted July 22, 2015)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Kimberly Grebert, a clinical social worker serving the Massachusetts Deaf community, which includes Deaf, Deaf Blind, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened individuals. She was the first Deaf person to graduate from the Boston University School of Social Work. She has worked as a clinician for various outpatient mental health agencies, and as a coordinator for two Deaf service programs. When facing barriers and misperceptions as a Deaf person and Deaf social worker, she uses the opportunity to educate and raise awareness. (Posted July 1, 2015)

increase the availability of victim-oriented field placements for undergraduate and graduate interns.

Review the materials today and consider adding information about criminal victimization and its impact on victims to your existing courses or developing new victim-oriented courses. (Posted July 1, 2015)

June 2015

New webinar recordings, including “Getting Out of the Box” and “Results of OVC’s Needs Assessment,” are now available. Visit the Webinars page to view the recording, transcript and other materials. (Posted June 22, 2015)

June is LGBTQ Pride Month. Learn more about OVC resources for working with LGBTQ-identified people, communities, and survivors.

LGBTQ individuals are more likely to be bullied by their peers, ostracized by their communities, and be vulnerable to human trafficking. The Human Trafficking Task Force e-Guide covers key considerations when working with these victims.

OVC’s Serving LGBTQ Survivors of Violence Training by Request can also help victim advocates and allied professionals strengthen their knowledge of the obstacles LGBTQ people experience in seeking victim services and explore how best to overcome or alleviate these issues. (Posted June 3, 2015)

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Register now for OVC’s free online elder abuse training to help legal service providers understand and respond to victims of this crime. The four modules, What Every Legal Services Lawyer Needs to Know, Practical and Ethical Strategies, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Financial Exploitation, offer an interactive online approach providing basic information and tools to identify and address the needs of elders who may be experiencing abuse. (Posted June 3, 2015)

OVC has launched two new Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) modules, including Intimate Partner Violence and Victims With Mental Health Issues. VAT Online is a Web-based basic victim advocacy training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime. (Posted June 1, 2015)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Kim Fountain, the executive director of Pride Center of Vermont, a statewide center that celebrates, educates, and advocates with and for LGBTQ Vermonters. Prior to this, she was the deputy director of the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project in charge of community organizing, public advocacy, and client services. (Posted June 1, 2015)

OVC will host a webinar on "Building Bridges Between Elder Justice Professionals and VOCA Administrators" on Wednesday, May 27 from 1:00-2:00 PM (ET). Ursel McElroy Drake, Deputy Director of Education and Policy for the Ohio Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services Section, will share her knowledge of and experience with elder justice and crime victim services in a discussion of how elder justice professionals and VOCA administrators benefit from knowing more about each other. Attendees will also learn possible ways to access VOCA funds for elder abuse programs and to seek collaborative opportunities.

Registration is now open. (Posted May 5, 2015)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Dan Dennis, a retired detective from the San Diego Police Department with 28 years of law enforcement experience who now provides training and consulting services to the field. During his law enforcement career, Mr. Dennis served as a training officer, SWAT officer, secondary school resource officer, and undercover gang unit officer, as well as serving as a detective in narcotics, child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault cases. As one of the first domestic violence detectives in the Nation, he also taught law enforcement, judges, social workers, and advocates. (Posted May 1, 2015)

April 2015

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative and the National Crime Victim Law Institute will host a webinar on "Effective Communication Techniques: Strategies for Interacting with and Representing Child Victim Clients" on May 21, 2015 from 3:00-4:15 PM (ET). This webinar is the second in a three-part series designed to enhance the ability of attorneys to provide effective legal representation of child victims regarding their rights in criminal cases. This session will address concrete strategies for communicating with and representing child victims.

This webinar is the first in a three-part series designed to enhance the ability of attorneys to provide effective legal representation of child victims regarding their rights in criminal cases. The first session includes an overview of effective representation of child victims, as well as the neurobiology of trauma and its unique impact on children. Building on these lessons, presenters will preview some strategies to help facilitate effective communication with victim clients who are children.

Registration is now open. (Posted April 7, 2015)

OVC has launched three new Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) modules, including Victim Compensation, American Indian/Alaska Native Populations, and Cyber Fraud. VAT Online is a Web-based basic victim advocacy training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime. (Posted April 7, 2015)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Amy Russell, who serves as executive director of the Gundersen National Child Protection Training Center and provides administrative and programmatic oversight, as well as professional training and technical assistance. Ms. Russell is a certified counselor and has worked with victims of violence and trauma in several capacities, including extensive counseling and support work with child victims of abuse; as director of victim services and counselor for survivors of homicide victims; as victim/witness coordinator in a U.S. Attorney’s Office; and as executive director of two children’s advocacy centers. (Posted April 1, 2015)

March 2015

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative is collaborating with the Victim Rights Law Center to host a webinar on Title IX issues for state and local sexual assault coalitions and programs throughout the country.

On July 21, 2015, 1:30-3:00 p.m. (ET), the Victim Rights Law Center will present “Legal Representation for Campus Sexual Assault Victims.” This webinar addresses victims’ rights and remedies related to their rights under Title IX, including safety, accommodation, and judicial process; and discusses eligibility and strategies for filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Registration is now open. Space is limited. (Posted March 6, 2015)

The Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training, aimed at helping advocates and counselors provide competent and effective crisis intervention services to victims and survivors of sexual assault, has been revised to include three new modules. These new modules include Campus Sexual Assault, Effects of Sexual Assault on Males, and The Neurobiology of Trauma and Sexual Assault. Both the downloadable curriculum and Training by Request have been updated with this new content. (Posted March 5, 2015)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Mitru Ciarlante, who has more than 25 years of leadership experience in programs advocating for child and youth victims, which includes creating a comprehensive children's advocacy program model, starting a statewide children's advocacy task force, establishing peer education programs, and organizing a statewide youth activist network. (Posted March 2, 2015)

Due to the overwhelming response to our Title IX webinar series, OVC is offering an encore of the "Safety Planning With Survivors of Campus Sexual Assault" webinar on April 7, 2015, 2:00-3:30 p.m. (ET). This webinar addresses the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in creating a safety plan that meets the specific needs of victims in a campus environment; explores how safety planning for campus victims/survivors may differ from safety planning for domestic violence victims; and discusses strategies for protecting victim privacy, discussing emotional safety, and providing survivor-centered safety planning.

As a reminder, there will also be a webinar on “Legal Representation for Campus Sexual Assault Victims” on July 21, 2015, 1:30-3:00 p.m. (ET). This webinar addresses victims’ rights and remedies related to their rights under Title IX, including safety, accommodation, and judicial process; and discusses eligibility and strategies for filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Registration for both webinars is now open. Space is limited. (Posted March 2, 2015)

February 2015

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative is collaborating with the Victim Rights Law Center to host a two-part webinar series on Title IX issues for state and local sexual assault coalitions and programs throughout the country.

On March 24, 2015, 1:30-3:00 p.m. (ET), the Victim Rights Law Center will present the first webinar “Safety Planning With Survivors of Campus Sexual Assault.” This webinar addresses the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in creating a safety plan that meets the specific needs of victims in a campus environment; explores how safety planning for campus victims/survivors may differ from safety planning for domestic violence victims; and discusses strategies for protecting victim privacy, discussing emotional safety, and providing survivor-centered safety planning.

On July 21, 2015, 1:30-3:00 p.m. (ET), the Victim Rights Law Center will present the second webinar “Legal Representation for Campus Sexual Assault Victims.” This webinar addresses victims’ rights and remedies related to their rights under Title IX, including safety, accommodation, and judicial process; and discusses eligibility and strategies for filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Registration is now open. Space is limited. (Posted February 20, 2015)

OVC has launched five new Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) modules, including Sexual Assault, LGBTQ Populations, Victims With Substance Abuse Issues, Financial Crimes, and Identity Theft. VAT Online is a Web-based basic victim advocacy training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime. (Posted February 9, 2015)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Marcella Benson-Quaziena, a faculty member at Fielding Graduate University and The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Dr. Benson-Quaziena has more than 20 years of experience consulting for public and nonprofit sectors in the areas of change management, executive coaching, leadership development, strategic planning, organizational analysis and design, retreat design and facilitation, and team building. (Posted February 2, 2015)

December 2014

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Kimber Nicoletti, Director and Founder of Multicultural Efforts to End Sexual Assault at Purdue University, and an advocate for Latina, migrant farm worker, and multicultural communities for more than 20 years. Ms. Nicoletti works at the national, state, and local levels to engage communities and organizations in the use of culturally relevant models to promote healing, healthy relationships, and violence prevention. (Posted December 31, 2014)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Kevin Becker, Psy.D, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder and director of the Massachusetts Victim Assistance Academy for the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. Dr. Becker has specialized in psychological trauma for nearly 25 years. He was a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Harvard Medical School and director of the Institute for Trauma & Crisis at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the Continuing Education Program. (Posted December 1, 2014)

OVC has launched four new Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) modules, including Victims of Sexual Assault in the Military, Elder Abuse, People With Disabilities, and Elderly Populations. VAT Online is a Web-based basic victim advocacy training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the basic skills and knowledge they need to better assist victims of crime. Additional modules that address other specific crimes and the needs of special populations will be launched in 2015. (Posted December 1, 2014)

November 2014

The new Facilitation Skills Online Training has been launched, aimed at helping you develop your skills as a facilitator. These brief, narrated modules are available online and cover topics such as What is Facilitation?; Leading a Training; Listening, Questioning, and Validating; Engaging Participants; Building Consensus and Resolving Conflicts; Facilitating Activities; and Debriefing and Summarizing. (Posted November 7, 2014)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Melissa Riley (Mescalero Apache), who provides training and technical assistance to American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities as well as social work, behavioral health, education, and medical services in rural and urban programs on the national, state, and local levels. Ms. Riley uses her own culture, tradition, work experience, and education to help AI/AN communities enhance and sustain community programs that promote health and social justice. She has also managed federal projects for the Office for Victims of Crime, assessing grantee needs, evaluating TTA services, and recording performance measures. (Posted November 3, 2014)

October 2014

OVC and BJA release the newly expanded and enhanced Human Trafficking Task Force e-Guide, an online resource that provides practical information on the creation and day-to-day operation of human trafficking task forces. It includes several new sections and strategies to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, increase victim identification and improve victim assistance response, enhance victim-centered investigation, and build stronger prosecution strategies. The e-Guide also has been redesigned to help navigate content more easily and locate information faster to ultimately strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to assist victims of human trafficking. (Posted October 27, 2014)

Visit the new Human Trafficking Webinars page. This resource includes webinar recordings, transcripts, and power point presentations on a range of issues related to human trafficking. Topics include:

How to Identify and Communicate with Human Trafficking Victims with an Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability

The page will be updated monthly with the latest webinars and resources. (Posted October 14, 2014)

It is with tremendous sadness that we have to announce the sudden passing of William Sherman. William worked onsite at OVC for 12 years as part of the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) through a contract with ICF International. From his desk right by the front door of OVC, William always had a smile to share and a joke for the asking. All who had the good fortune to know him will miss his warmth, good humor, and eagerness to help. William began his career with OVC TTAC as an administrative assistant, moved up to research assistant, and found his real calling as the technical liaison. William was a whiz with database development and management, and understood putting together information in ways that were effective and technically efficient for the whole team. His knowledge of MS Access made him the go-to guy for people all over the Department. William's warmth, humor, and dedication will be greatly missed by everyone at OVC and OVC TTAC. William Sherman leaves behind five sisters, Carolyn Sherman Thomas, Jacqueline Sherman Henderson, Audrey Sherman Jackson, Angela Sherman Stafford, and Doris Sherman Jones; two brothers, Wilfred Sherman and Keith McCray; two uncles, Clarence Collins and Eddie Lee Collins, aunt Mamie Vell, and scores of friends and family who will miss him terribly. (Posted October 10, 2014)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Julie Owens, an independent consultant and trainer who is currently developing a pilot project of best practice interventions for special victim populations, including older victims, victims with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. For more than 8 years, Ms. Owens served as a regional director for the North Carolina Council for Women, overseeing victim program grants and best practices for advocates in 20 counties. (Posted October 1, 2014)

September 2014

OVC announces the recent transition of the National Identity Theft Victims Assistance Network Toolkit for Professionals and Resource Map, (developed under a national scope training and technical assistance grant), to OVC TTAC. The Toolkit for Professionals is intended to provide useful guidance on improving and expanding services to identity theft victims and starting a collaborative group in your area. You can access downloadable, ready-to-customize training materials and brochures. Or, you can visit the Resource Map to learn more about local agencies that offer legal assistance to victims of identity theft, available online legal self-help for clients in your state, professional identity theft networking opportunities, and state laws applicable to identity theft cases. You will find resources for victim advocates, attorneys, and law enforcement.

If you have any questions about the resources or if you would like to consult an expert about developing your own coalition please direct any questions to OVC TTAC at 1-866-682-8822 or TTAC@ovcttac.org. (Posted September 30, 2014)

August 2014

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant James Markey, who served for 30 years with the Phoenix Police Department before retiring in 2012 as a detective sergeant. For 14 years, he supervised the sex crime unit which investigated more than 6,000 felony sexual assault cases, including 80 serial rapists, and processed dozens of crime scenes. As a subject matter expert on DNA evidence in sex crimes, he has lectured nationally on using DNA in sexual assault cases. (Posted August 29, 2014)

We are excited to announce that OVC TTAC is now accepting applications for OVC's Fall 2014 NVAA Leadership Institute, which will be held online. This comprehensive training covers essential skills you need to guide, motivate, and support your staff to achieve your organization’s mission and vision. Space is limited. Apply early! (Posted August 25, 2014)

OVC, in collaboration with the Access to Justice Initiative and the Elder Justice Initiative, is pleased to release the Financial Exploitation module of the free online elder abuse training for legal service providers. This module will help strengthen knowledge and skills to assist elder abuse victims, including:

Identifying and responding to financial exploitation being experienced by older clients

Helping older clients avoid financial exploitation by identifying their risk factors and providing information about how they can protect themselves

Determining the extent of financial exploitation that has occurred or is occurring

Taking legal action to try to recover your client's funds or other assets

The Financial Exploitation module joins the first three in this series: What Every Legal Services Lawyer Needs to Know About Elder Abuse, Practical and Ethical Strategies, and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. (Posted August 22, 2014.)

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative is collaborating with the Victim Rights Law Center to host live chats on Title IX. If you attended OVC's two Title IX Webinars, or viewed them on our Web site, we invite you to attend one of the three live chat sessions in September. This forum is an opportunity to ask the experts from the Victim Rights Law Center about campus sexual assault and Title IX issues.

To register for an upcoming live chat, select the date that is most convenient for you. All Webinars will be held from 1:30–3:00 PM (ET).

The result of this groundbreaking partnership, AMSAAT combines expertise in learning development from the OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) with DoD’s broad range of SAPR advocacy capabilities and initiatives. This combination promises a dynamic learning experience that focuses on providing appropriate support for military victims of sexual assault.

The training incorporates a victim-centered approach in implementing sexual assault policy and builds a framework that improves the quality of response to sexual assault victims and encourages victims to report an incident.

On July 17, 2014, the American Forces Press Service, released a statement about the joint project and Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Snow, director of DoD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, was quoted as saying, "It was important to collaborate with the Office for Victims of Crime and tailor an advanced training to meet the needs of advocates supporting military victims."

Joye E. Frost, OVC Director, stated "As the Department of Defense moves forward with policy changes that affect victims of sexual assault in the military services, we believe this accessible and cost-effective online training will play an important role in changing the landscape of the military response to victims." (Posted August 1, 2014)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Kyanna Perkins, the director of the Victim Witness Services Program for the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney in Richmond, Virginia. She has been serving crime victims for more than 16 years, previously working as a police officer at the George Mason University Police Department and as a victim-witness specialist and assistant director in the Fairfax County Police Department’s Victim Services Section. (Posted August 1, 2014)

July 2014

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative is collaborating with the Victim Rights Law Center to host a two-part Webinar series on Title IX for state and local sexual assault coalitions and programs throughout the country.

On July 24, 2014, 1:30-3:00 PM (ET), the Victim Rights Law Center will present the first Webinar “Know Your Title IX Rights.” This Webinar will provide an overview of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and an understanding of how Title IX protects the rights of victims of sexual violence in educational settings.

On August 7, 2014, 1:30-3:00 PM (ET), the Victim Rights Law Center will present the second Webinar “What Can Advocates Do To Help Victims?” This Webinar will focus on practical advocacy strategies and tools for using Title IX to empower and seek justice for victims of sexual violence.

Registration is now open. Space is limited. (Posted July 2,2014)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Jeralita Costa, the Community Victim Liaison with the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC). She has consulted on criminal justice system reform for the past 20 years and previously worked as the Prison Rape Elimination Act Victim Advocate at the Washington DOC for more than 4 years. (Posted July 2, 2014)

June 2014

OVC releases the first three modules of a free online elder abuse curriculum for legal service providers. Developed in collaboration with the Access to Justice Initiative and the Elder Justice Initiative, the first three modules in this six-part series, What Every Legal Services Lawyer Needs to Know About Elder Abuse, Practical and Ethical Strategies, and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, offer an interactive online approach providing basic information and tools to identify and address the needs of elders who may be experiencing abuse. The training includes a variety of information, tools, and resources, from interactive client scenarios to printable materials.

OVC has just released two new versions of our well-received training, Building Resiliency in Child Abuse Organizations. The one-day version covers the basics of resiliency and several strategies that have been shown to improve organizational resiliency. The four-hour version streamlines the resiliency message further, focusing on the key points organizations need to begin building resiliency in their staff and volunteers. (Posted June 19, 2014)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Bobbi Gagne, the Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Crisis Team of Washington County, Vermont. For more than 20 years, she has provided direct services, training, and materials for male and female victims of incest and LGBTQ victims, as well as trained and educated law enforcement officers, various professionals, survivors, and the public. (Posted June 2, 2014)

Integrating Crime Victims’ Issues Into College and University Curricula, a series of multidisciplinary educational models designed to broaden students’ exposure to and awareness of criminal victimization and its impact on victims and teach them about helpful responses when encountering victims, is now available. With funding from OVC, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, along with its partners from the universities of Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts Dartmouth, and Massachusetts Medical School, developed these curriculum kits and teaching materials to advance helpful responses to crime victims. (Posted May 1, 2014)

April 2014

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative will present a series of free Webinars on victims' rights issues by the National Crime Victim Law Institute. Registration for the Webinars, which take place through the end of 2014, is now open. (Posted April 23, 2014)

The redesigned Victim Assistance Training Online (VAT Online) is now available. This basic victim advocacy Web-based training program offers victim service providers and allied professionals basic skills and knowledge to better assist victims of crime. Basic information and core knowledge is covered in 19 modules, which each take 30-90 minutes to complete. Additional VAT Online modules that address specific crimes and the needs of special populations will be launched later in 2014. (Posted April 9, 2014)

The new Building Resiliency in Child Abuse Organizations training, which can help victim service providers avoid burnout and secondary trauma, is now available as a downloadable curriculum or through the Training by Request program. (Posted April 8, 2014)

OVC’s Legal Assistance for Crime Victims Initiative will present a series of free Webinars on victims' rights issues by the National Crime Victim Law Institute. Registration for the April trainings is now open. (Posted April 8, 2014)

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Cynthia King, president of King & Associates, Inc. and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of experience in assessment and treatment of juvenile and adult sex offenders, sexually reactive youth, and victims of sexual abuse and their families. For 20 years, she also provided consultation to mental health professionals and agencies on providing therapeutic services to victims of sexual abuse. (Posted April 1, 2014)

March 2014

Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute provides skills and knowledge for new and seasoned victim services leaders to build capacity within victim-serving agencies. The 10-week online training begins Thursday, April 24 and spaces are limited. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. (Posted March 6, 2014)

February 2014

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Paula Pierce, a Managing Attorney at the Texas Legal Services Center, providing legal services to the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged, including crime victim compensation claims. Since 2007, her work has focused on identity theft and financial fraud and she frequently speaks on the legal rights of identity theft victims. (Posted February 28, 2014)

January 2014

OVC TTAC spotlights consultant Katherine Lawson, Ed.D., Founder and Executive Director of Victims to Victory Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides faith-centered support to families grieving losses from homicide. Her organization developed a community-based protocol to respond to victims of mass violence. Dr. Lawson helped develop faith-based curricula on family violence education. (Posted January 31, 2014)

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Carol Dorris, a pioneer in the victims’ rights movement and our good friend who passed away on January 8th after a short illness. She was an attorney, victim advocate, wife, and mother of three children. Since 1991, Carol’s work has focused on analyzing victims’ rights laws. Carol was the driving force behind VictimLaw. She was one of a small group of attorneys who collected and analyzed victims’ rights laws and built the first, comprehensive database of victims’ rights laws that served as the foundation for VictimLaw. Over her career, Carol helped shape the landscape of victims’ rights through her work with state and federal lawmakers, victim service providers, prosecutors, victims’ rights attorneys, and crime victims and survivors. Carol will be greatly missed, but her work toward ensuring that crime victims are aware of their rights and that they are enforced will live on. (Posted January 9, 2014)

The Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center is a component of the Office for Victims of Crime,
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OVC TTAC neither endorses, has any responsibility for, nor exercises any control over the organizations'
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